The Value of Donations for Lexington Historical Society

We in the nonprofit world are always asking for money. You see us on social media, on our website, and in letters asking for support for various programs, operating costs, or new initiatives. You must get tired of us! It’s understandable.

Let us explain ourselves. Nonprofits work hard to do good in the world, in a variety of different ways. For us at Lexington Historical Society, we bring history to the public through our museums, education programs, lectures, summer camps, and exhibits. We care for our historic buildings, homes that were originally built in the 1700s and played a role in the first days of the American Revolution. We also take care of tens of thousands of documents and objects in our collection. These documents and objects were donated to us to keep safe for all time so that future generations can learn what life was like in Lexington in the past. That’s a big job, and one that we take very seriously.

All the things we do—caring for museums, preserving documents and artifacts, and presenting public programs—cost money. Since Lexington Historical Society is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, we receive no funding from the government on a regular basis. There is no line item in the town or state budget for Lexington Historical Society’s work (or the work of many other nonprofits). We must raise every dollar we spend.

We go about raising funds in various ways: we sell tickets to see our museums, apply for grants for special projects, and occasionally ask for a small donation for a lecture. However, in order to continue operating, Lexington Historical Society relies on regular donations from individuals throughout the year. Without these donations, we would no longer exist. Our museums would not be open to the public, we would not be able to care for or house our important collections, and we would not be able to host public programs. We think that Lexington would be a lot less exciting without its history, don’t you?

That’s why we’re always popping up in your inbox, newsfeed, and mailbox asking for your help.

Luckily for Lexington Historical Society, we have wonderful supporters. In 2019, over 600 people donated to keep us in operation. 600! That’s a lot of people who believe in the value of local history. By making a gift, no matter the size, our supporters ensure that students can continue visiting us every year, our museums will still be standing in 100 years, and our documents and objects will survive.

At the end of this busy and successful year, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have taken part in and supported Lexington Historical Society. Despite our annoying asks, you showed that you believe in our work, and want us to continue doing what we do!

Whether you became a member, donated, or signed up for a lecture, you made a difference. We cannot do this without you. We look forward to serving the community and bringing history to life in 2020, and we hope that you will join in.

Happy New Year from all of us at Lexington Historical Society.

​With deep appreciation and gratitude,
Erica McAvoy
Executive Director
 
PS: To continue in the true nonprofit spirit, I will make one last plea for donations for 2019! If you would like to support Lexington Historical Society before the new year, please click here.

Here are just some of Lexington Historical Society’s costs in 2019:

• $130,000 to staff our museums with well-trained, knowledgeable tour guides

 

• $125,000 to care for our three museums and program space at the Depot (both standard maintenance and unanticipated projects)

 

• $80,000 to care for our collections, not including the move to our new Archives & Research Center (this project was funded by grants and private donations)

 

• $10,000 for program-related expenses